Top 10 Health Benefits of Carrots

Health experts consider carrots as one of the ultimate health foods. Carrots are loaded with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, K and B8, along with pantothenic acid, folate, potassium, iron, copper and manganese. Most of the health benefits of carrots can be attributed to their high beta-carotene and fiber content.

Carrots are readily available year-round and can be eaten raw or cooked. They go well in salads and soups, as well as a stand-alone vegetable for snacks and side dishes. The crunchy texture and sweet taste of carrots are liked by both adults and children.

Here are the top 10 health benefits of carrots.

1. Improves Vision

The first and foremost health benefit of carrots is healthy vision. Carrots contain a high amount of vitamin A, which has a direct impact on eyesight.

Plus, the beta-carotene present in carrots has been shown to protect against macular degeneration, glaucoma and age-related cataracts.

2. Fights Cancer

Another very important health benefit of carrots is the anti-cancer effects, which come from their carotenoid antioxidant power that helps reduce free radicals in the body. Also, carrots improve the body’s immunity power to fight against the disease.

Research has shown that carrots contain phytonutrients called polyacetylenes and other components that inhibit cancer growth. In most studies, consuming one and one-half cups of carrot juice daily for a few weeks produced significant positive results.

Also, regular consumption of carrots has been shown to lower the risk of lung, colorectal and prostate cancers.

3. Combats Cardiovascular Diseases

Carrots are extremely good for heart and blood pressure patients. They contain beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lutein, which are antioxidants that fight cholesterol and also help reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Plus, the potassium in carrots can relax tension in your blood vessels and arteries, which in turn helps increase blood flow and circulation and reduce stress on the cardiovascular system.

Next time you start getting stressed about something and your blood pressure begins to rise, simply eat a carrot!

4. Improves Oral Health

Carrots are very good for overall oral health. When this crunchy vegetable is eaten, it scrapes off plaque and food particles and thus helps keep the teeth and gums clean.

Plus, carrots stimulate the production of saliva that, being alkaline, balances out acidity and bacteria in the mouth and in turn prevents cavities, halitosis and other oral health problems. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant that helps maintain healthy connective tissue, teeth and gums.

5. Protects the Liver

Carrots help protect your liver from the toxic effects of environmental chemicals. The high amount of vitamin A in carrots plays a key role in flushing out toxins from the body. Plus, it reduces the bile and fat deposits in the liver. Also, the soluble fiber in carrots helps cleanse the liver and colon by facilitating waste elimination.

Eating carrots regularly will help prevent inflammation or infection of the liver that can lead to liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis and cholestasis.

6. Maintains Skin Health

Being rich in vitamin A and various other antioxidants, carrots are also good for the skin. Carrots help protect the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and also help in repairing damaged skin tissue.

In fact, drinking carrot juice in the summer acts as a powerful natural sun block. Carrots also help keep the skin moisturized and prevent acne, pigmentation, blemishes and uneven skin tone.

Plus, carrots keep the skin healthy, glowing and vibrant. You can even make a simple and easy face mask with carrots to get glowing skin. Mix two tablespoons of grated carrots with some honey and apply it on the face and neck area. Allow it to dry, and then wash it off with warm water.

sarahmae

David Steele

In 1991, When I finally gave up smoking. I developed a craving for eating raw carrots, every day, all day, for a couple of months. Then the need to eat them just left me. So maybe my body naturally wanted to detox after years of smoking with toxins stored in my fat deposits. So carrots are good for one.

Nat

You do not mention that the fat-soluble carotenoids in carrots will not be absorbed unless they are consumed with a little oily food such as avocado, fish, nut, seed or other oils. Consuming a raw or juiced carrot is pointless without oil!